Sydney CBD smokers asked to butt out

A trial smoking ban on all outdoor areas will start at one of Sydney's busiest CBD civic spaces, Martin Place.

The 12-month trial kicks off on Monday and rangers will be handing out personal ashtrays so smokers can "butt out" responsibly.

The City of Sydney says it is introducing the trial after speaking with local businesses and surveying more than 750 smokers and non-smokers. The results showed there was a preference for Martin Place to be a smoke-free zone.